1st Netball v Belhaven

Wednesday 31st Jan

Belhaven 23, St. Mary’s 7

The squad: Rowan (c), Iona, Tegan, Mhairi, Molly S, Rosie and Jessica

I couldn’t quite believe it when I drew up at school this morning to find the netball courts under a layer of snow! It would seem that Wednesdays this season are doomed! However, when crunch time came at 11.30am, it was all but gone so I was thrilled to announce that ALL fixtures were on! Hurrah!

Our journey to Dunbar was interesting but not even the blizzards were going to stand in our way. Thankfully, the courts at Belhaven were clear, it was just bitterly cold!

The first quarter was well balanced. The girls started really well, their movement was good, their passing, crisp. Defensively, Rosie (GD) and Iona (GK) were on song. Alert to the Belhaven threat, they were quick to the rebounds and indeed to the loose ball. Molly (WA), Jessica (C) and Mhairi (WD) also enjoyed a good quarter. They were well matched with their opposite numbers and got the better of them on a number of occasions. Up front, Tegan (GS) and captain, Rowan (GA) managed to find the target on a couple of occasions but hadn’t quite found their range. They found the space they needed at times but were up against a couple of tall defenders so were going to have to make the most of their opportunities.

We started the 2nd period 2 - 3 down but very much in the game. In the second passage of play, we saw just as much ball and enjoyed just as much possession, but weren’t as clinical with it. Some careless passes allowed the Belhaven girls to intercept the ball and they made us pay for our errors. Their shooting was good and they started to edge away.

Half time saw us 3 - 9 down so a good third quarter would have got us back into the fold and in contention. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen and again we were made to pay for sloppy passing and being half a yard off the pace. Chances we did have just wouldn’t fall and the deficit increased.

In the final quarter, the girls did play some better netball and showed glimpses of what they are capable of. It wasn’t enough though but I was glad they were able to come off the pitch with a couple more goals under their belts. Knowing that the girls are capable of playing a much higher standard of netball, it’s frustrating they weren’t able to produce the goods today. However, the girls certainly tried their hardest and I hope enjoyed their afternoon. As ever, we were well looked after and made it home in good time.

Next week we travel to Fettes for the Dandylions trials and a 2nds triangular with Fettes and Cargilfield, 2pm starts.